Visit Hagerman, ID

Water, History, and Wonder In Every Direction

Explore fossils, springs, gorges, and history in Hagerman Valley

Water, history, and wonder come together in Hagerman Valley. Step into a place where ancient fossils tell the story of long-gone horses, and gorges carve dramatic views through the land. The past feels alive here, set against landscapes that are anything but ordinary.

From the flowing power of Box Canyon and Malad Gorge to the soothing waters of local hot springs, the valley is full of surprises. Waterfalls spill from canyon walls, history is preserved in the local museum, and the Snake River winds through it all—an authentic small-town stop filled with discovery.

Discover

fossils and stories from ages past

Enjoy

the relaxing waters of natural hot springs

& Explore

breathtaking canyons and hidden valley trails

A large waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff covered in greenery under a clear blue sky, with lush vegetation at the base of the falls. Hagerman, ID
Aerial view of a small town with tree-lined streets, green parks, and buildings under a clear blue sky, with distant hills visible on the horizon. Hagerman, ID

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Things To Do in Hagerman, ID

Visitors to Hagerman will find plenty to enjoy, from the rich history inside the Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum to the ancient discoveries at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. Outdoor explorers can marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Gorges and Canyons or unwind in the soothing waters and scenic beauty of the Hot Springs and Waterfalls.

 
 

Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum

Discover artifacts and exhibits showcasing the people and heritage of the valley.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Explore ancient landscapes and learn about the famous Hagerman Horse fossil.

Hot Springs and
Waterfalls

Relax in natural springs and enjoy waterfalls spilling into scenic canyons.

Gorges and
Canyons

Take in dramatic views at Malad Gorge and the crystal-clear Box Canyon.

NOTE: All images on this site are originals from Touch Point Designs unless noted otherwise. They are copyrighted and protected.

Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum

Step inside the Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum to uncover the stories—and artifacts—of this region’s past. In one compact space you’ll find displays of early settlers, Native American heritage, personal letters, vintage photographs, and even a full-scale replica of the Hagerman Horse fossil. It’s a quiet, thoughtful place where history feels alive.

 

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"Great museum for the young and old alike! This location is such an upgrade from where they were before. I'm glad to see something like this in the old bank! The vault is still there too! Super cool... there is something for everyone! Even the kids 3 & 5 had fun. Such a cool area and we love visiting little places such as this to learn about the location."

Frances S. - Google Review
A small stone building with a wooden porch sits by a road under a clear blue sky. A large sign reads Hagerman Museum. Trees and shrubs surround the museum, and a fire hydrant is visible in front. Hagerman, ID
A stone building with a bench and wagon wheel outside, plants nearby, and large windows reflecting parked cars and trees. The sidewalk runs alongside a quiet street on a sunny day. Hagerman, ID
Historic storefront with tan decorative brickwork, wooden beams, and large windows. A stone wall section holds a bench made from a wooden wagon wheel, flanked by potted plants. Sunlight casts shadows on the sidewalk. Hagerman, ID
A sunlit building entrance with large windows, a wooden door, potted plants, and flyers posted on the glass. The sidewalk and part of the street are visible, with shadows cast by the overhang. Hagerman, ID
A historic stone and wood building with a covered porch and large windows sits on a quiet street. Signs are posted on the door, and a bench and potted plant are visible by the entrance. Hagerman, ID

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

The Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is home to one of the world’s richest fossil deposits, best known for the discovery of the Hagerman Horse, Idaho’s official state fossil. Visitors can start at the Thousand Springs Visitor Center, where exhibits showcase ancient mammals, fossil replicas, and local geology. Outside, overlooks provide sweeping views of the Snake River and surrounding bluffs, while nearby trails reveal preserved Oregon Trail wagon ruts etched into the landscape. It’s a place where science, history, and scenery come together, offering a fascinating window into life millions of years ago.

 

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"Small museum but the park rangers working there were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history and geology. There was a 20 minute movie that was also very good. Small gift shop and fossils on display."

Karen L. - Google Review
A modern wooden building with signs for Thousand Springs State Park and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, set on a landscaped lawn under a clear blue sky. A paved walkway leads to the entrance. Hagerman, ID
A calm river bordered by dry, scrubby vegetation and rocky hills under a clear blue sky, with faint power lines overhead. Hagerman, ID
Modern visitor center building with wooden exterior surrounded by green grass and trees, under a clear blue sky. Signs on the building indicate it is for a national monument. Hagerman, ID
Yellow wildflowers grow on a dry, grassy hillside overlooking a vast, arid landscape of rolling hills and plateaus under a clear blue sky. Hagerman, ID
Modern wooden visitor center building at Thousand Springs State Park, with clear signage and a landscaped entrance under a bright blue sky. Hagerman, ID
A wooden boardwalk with railings leads to an overlook platform above a wide river, surrounded by dry, brown hills under a clear blue sky. Informational signs are visible on the platform. Hagerman, ID

Hot Springs and Waterfalls

Warm springs bubble up from the earth and cascade into emerald pools, offering moments of soothing rest and visual delight. Whether you soak at Miracle Hot Springs or Banbury Hot Springs, you’ll feel the gentle embrace of geothermal waters warmed by Idaho’s underground aquifer. Nearby, waterfalls tumble into canyon pools at places like Box Canyon and Niagara Springs, where the contrast of rushing water and still springs creates a magical balance of motion and calm. This mix of heat and flow draws visitors who want to recline, rejuvenate, and soak up scenic tranquility.

Hot springs images courtesy of Miracle Hot Springs. Used with permission.

Miracle Hot Springs Hagerman ID 7
A wooden sign reading River Trail with a white arrow points forward at the entrance to a shaded dirt path surrounded by trees and sunlight. Hagerman, ID
A calm river with clear water, patches of green aquatic plants, and rocky shoreline in the foreground; grassy reeds and distant hills under a clear blue sky. Hagerman, ID
A waterfall cascades down a rocky cliffside, surrounded by green vegetation at the base, under a clear blue sky with sunlight illuminating the scene. Hagerman, ID
Miracle Hot Springs Hagerman ID (8)
Miracle Hot Springs Hagerman ID (10)
Miracle Hot Springs Hagerman ID (9)
Miracle Hot Springs Hagerman ID (2)

Gorges and Canyons

The Gorges and Canyons of Hagerman reveal nature’s dramatic artistry, where deep gashes in rock frame tumbling water and vibrant springs. At Malad Gorge, the Malad River plunges through a 250-foot chasm, passing under a slender bridge that offers breathtaking overlooks of Devil’s Washbowl and carved basalt cliffs. Meanwhile, Box Canyon offers a quieter counterpoint: a narrow slot of canyon walls, peaceful river views, and the occasional lush spring spilling from stone. These areas invite hiking, contemplation, photography, and moments of quiet awe.

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A narrow river flows between steep, rocky cliffs in a deep canyon under sunlight, with dry grassland visible on top of the cliffs and blue sky in the background. Hagerman, ID
A panoramic view of a rocky canyon with steep cliffs and a winding river below, surrounded by green vegetation and sparse brush under a clear blue sky. Hagerman, ID
A clear stream flows through dense green vegetation and rocks, with patches of bright green algae visible underwater and sunlight illuminating the scene from above. Hagerman, ID
A person walks among black volcanic rocks and yellow wildflowers in a dry, open landscape under a clear blue sky. Distant hills can be seen in the background. Hagerman, ID
A sign shaped like the state of Idaho reads Malad Gorge State Park, surrounded by dry bushes and grass under a clear blue sky. Hagerman, ID
A metal footbridge leads across a rocky ravine with dry grass and bushes, under a clear blue sky. A small stone building appears in the distance on the other side of the bridge. Hagerman, ID
A small, open stone shelter with a green roof stands in a dry, desert landscape with brown grasses and shrubs under a clear blue sky. The structure features dark, irregular stone walls and wooden beams. Hagerman, ID
A sunny park with tall, leafy trees casting shadows on bright green grass. In the distance, a few benches and a picnic table sit under the trees. The sky is clear and blue. Hagerman, ID
A viewing platform with three informational signs overlooks a deep canyon under a clear blue sky; shadows from the railing stretch across the paved ground. Sparse vegetation and distant trees are visible in the background. Hagerman, ID
A waterfall flows into a rocky canyon with steep cliffs, while a bridge spans the top of the canyon. Dry grass and shrubs grow along the cliff edges under a clear sky. Hagerman, ID
A brown wooden sign with white letters reads “DEVIL’S WASH BOWL,” standing in a dry, grassy field under a clear sky. Shrubs and distant structures are visible in the background. Hagerman, ID

Additional Attractions in Hagerman & the Surrounding Area

Oregon Trail Overlook

View preserved wagon ruts and wide Snake River vistas along the historic trail.

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Hagerman National Fish Hatchery

See one of the nation’s largest hatcheries raising millions of trout yearly.

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Eagle
Tree

A massive cottonwood tree that serves as a roosting site for bald eagles.

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Hagerman Sheep
Monument

A unique stone monument honoring the valley’s long ranching and sheep-herding history.

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Annual Events in the Hagerman, ID Area

Hagerman and the surrounding valley celebrate the seasons with events that highlight both community and landscape. Winter brings the Hagerman Birding Festival, while early spring kicks off with the St. Patrick’s Fun Run & Walk through Malad Gorge. Summer shines with the Gooding County Fair & Pro Rodeo, a classic mix of rides, livestock, and rodeo action. As fall arrives, car lovers gather for the Blast on the Grass Car Show, and the valley’s artistry takes center stage at the Thousand Springs Festival for the Arts, where waterfalls and canyon views frame a weekend of music and creativity.

  • February

Hagerman Birding Festival

A weekend of guided field trips, workshops, and bird-watching focus.

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  • March

Annual St. Patrick’s Fun Run & Walk

A multi-distance running/walking event through Malad Gorge each spring.

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  • September

Hagerman Car Show (“A Blast on the Grass”)

Classic cars, vendors, music, and community gathering at city park.

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  • Late September

Thousand Springs Festival for the Arts

Outdoor arts display, performances, wagon rides, and local crafts.

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Images are from Envato Elements and used with permission & rights.

Historical Events of Hagerman, ID

Town Name Typo
Named after Stanley Hageman, but a clerical error added an extra “r,” creating Hagerman.
Fossil Discoveries
Discovery of the Hagerman Horse fossil, later named Idaho’s state fossil, revealed a treasure trove of Ice Age life.
Settlement Growth
The town of Hagerman developed as settlers arrived, spurred by irrigation and fertile valley farmland.
Railroad Arrival
The Oregon Short Line Railroad expanded into the Hagerman Valley, boosting transportation, farming, and trade.
Sheep & Ranching Era
Hagerman became a hub for sheep ranching and livestock, shaping the valley’s agricultural economy.
Hagerman Fossil Beds Established
Congress designated the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument to preserve fossil history and paleontological resources.
1000 Springs Protected
Creation of Thousand Springs State Park to safeguard natural springs, gorges, and surrounding recreation lands.
Visitor Center Opened
The Thousand Springs Visitor Center opened in Hagerman, consolidating exhibits and boosting area tourism.
1892
1908
1900s
1910s
1910s-1930s
1975
2005
2016

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Sources:

 

Dining & Drinking

When hunger or thirst calls in Hagerman, you’ll find a warm mix of casual grills, family-run restaurants, and newer farm-to-table dining. Snake River Grill offers American classics and breakfast favorites in a cozy riverside setting. The Riverboat Restaurant & Bar delivers hearty, home-style meals and a full bar at the heart of town. Newer on the scene, Francesca West Wine & Dine blends western charm with fine dining and locally sourced ingredients. For pizza lovers, Fire Pie Pizza + Wilson’s Club combine wood-fired pies with local ambiance.

Restaurant Options

Lodging & Rentals

When staying in Hagerman, visitors will find cozy inns, creekside lodges, and rustic cabins all within reach of the main attractions. You won’t find big resort chains here, but that’s part of the charm. The Hagerman Valley Inn offers warm, comfortable rooms right on Hwy 30 and is centrally located. Billingsley Creek Lodge gives a creekside, nature-immersed experience with cabins and room views of Billingsley Creek. For more flexible options, Hagerman RV Village offers cabins and park-style lodging. Each offers a genuinely local stay as you explore fossil beds, springs, and gorges.

Lodging Options

Visit Hagerman, ID

Plan your trip today and discover water history and wonder in every direction when you visit Hagerman Valley.

Aerial view of a small town with wide streets, green trees, buildings, and open fields; hills and farmland can be seen in the background under a clear sky. Hagerman, ID
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All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. The details provided are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the most recent update. However, Small Town Travel Sites (“Touch Point Designs”) is not responsible for any inadvertent inaccuracies, changes, or misinformation. For the most current information, we recommend contacting individual establishments or checking the latest online updates before planning your visit.